Clayton, NY — Blanche Hiscock, 99, passed away on September 25, 2021 in the Eastern Star Home, Oriskany, where she had resided since September, 2020.  Mrs. Hiscock was born on the family farm in the Town of Orleans on September 24, 1922, a daughter of the late Merrick and Lottie Wiley Shaw. 

Blanche graduated from Clayton High School in June, 1939 as Salutatorian. She married George Yazell shortly after her 18^th birthday on October 5, 1940. For the next ten years, George and Blanche were mostly self-employed as well as working various jobs while spending winters fishing in Florida.

In 1950, George and Blanche built a house and restaurant on land purchased from her parents and opened Yazell’s Dairy Bar, featuring ice cream they made on site. Mr. Yazell passed away in 1965, and Blanche continued to own and operate the business until selling the house and restaurant, retiring in 1976. 

That same year she married Edward Hiscock of Alexandria Bay and, in addition to a new husband, she acquired three more sons and a daughter. Blanche and Ed enjoyed a 30-year retirement, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada, spending summers in the Thousand Islands and winters in Florida. Mr. Hiscock passed away in 2006.

Blanche is survived by a brother, Bruce Shaw, cousin and lifelong friend Dorothy Gray, children Merrill (Lynn Chapieski) Hiscock, LoLo, Montana; Ann (Fred) Wolpert, Saratoga Springs, NY; Ronald (Carol) Hiscock, Dallas, Texas; Steven (Beth) Yazell, Clayton, NY; and Todd (Rose) Hiscock, Rochester, NY. 

She was also grandmother to Brett, John, Laura, Kevin, Ryan, Stefan, Sarah, Ian, Elle, Natalie, Aidan, Cassandra, and great grandmother to Bart, Alexandra, Zaine, Mary Beth, Paul, Kennedy, Morgan, Gabriella, Justin, Elena, Jameson, Kiernan, Alfred, Earnest, Isabella, Andrew, and Trey. She was Aunt Blanche to many, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was predeceased by siblings Raymond, Mertice, Clarence, Aulden, Austin, Leanna, Adrian, Marjorie, Ivan, and great-granddaughter Isabella Peterson.

Above all things, Blanche loved her brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and every baby she ever met. A contribution to any charity benefiting children as well as not taking life too seriously would be a fitting tribute to her.

A graveside committal and celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

September 17, 2021

Hans H. Herrmann, 90, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Clayton, N.Y., where he co-owned the 1000 Islands Campground for twenty years, passed away at home, surrounded by family on September 17, 2021.

Hans earned B.S. Degrees in both architecture and interior design, as well as a Master’s Degree in Architecture. His career encompassed a variety of positions throughout the world, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabia, St. Thomas, V.I., and ultimately retiring in 2000 from BCA Architects and Engineers of Watertown, NY.

Hans was a member of the Society of Interior Architects of Germany and the German Architects & Engineers Society. He enjoyed traveling, cars, cameras and photography, and both country and jazz music.

Hans is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ursula, and six children, Claus, Monica, Dirk, Curt, Mona, and Susan, as well as their respective families, including fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, with another on the way.

Hans was a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose wealth of stories will be greatly missed. Machs gut, Opa!

Visiting hours and a service will be at a time to announced, in the spring of 2022.

September 9, 2021

Alexandria Bay, NY – Thomas J. Bradley, 77, Cooper Lane, passed away peacefully Thursday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.  He had been a patient there since September 1, 2021.  Tom was born on January 20, 1944 in Albany, NY, the son of John T. and Louise Kuon Bradley.  He graduated from Vincentian Institute in Albany and received his Master’s Degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1969.  Tom married Barbara J. Bouchey on December 4, 1965 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Ogdensburg, NY.  

He first worked as a pharmacist for Kinney Drugs in Gouverneur, NY.  A few short years later, he was hired by E.J. Noble Hospital to set up pharmacies for all their local hospitals.  In 1972, he joined the staff at the Corner Pharmacy in Alexandria Bay and a year later, he purchased the business.  In 1978, he relocated the Corner Pharmacy from one corner of Church & James to the other.  He owned and operated the Corner Pharmacy until 1989 when he sold the business to Fay’s Drugs.  Also, in 1989, Albany College of Pharmacy recognized him as Outstanding Alumni of the Year.  Tom continued working as a pharmacist for Fay’s and later Kinney Drugs and the Cape Vincent Correctional Center from where he retired.  Always the business man, Tom purchased O’Briens Boat Works and later converted the former pharmacy building into the Korner Pizzeria.  

Community involvement was very important to Tom.  He was a member of the Alexandria Central School Board of Education until he ran for and was elected as the Town of Alexandria Supervisor, a position that he held for eight years.  He also was a member of the Redwood National Bank Board of Directors.  Tom was a committed Rotarian for many years, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, his daughters, Mary-Ellen (John) Hynes, Alexandria Bay, NY, and Lynne Bradley, Alexandria Bay; his sons, T.J. (Kimberley) Bradley, Alexandria Bay, and Michael (Lorelee) Bradley, Cicero, NY; his grandchildren, Bryant, Lindsey, Emily, Colin, Brayton, Nick, and Madison; his sister, Kathleen (James) Pautler, Albany, NY; and his brothers, Fr. John Bradley, Albany, NY, and Joseph Bradley, Albany, NY.  Tom is predeceased by his brother, Robert Bradley, and his parents, John and Louise.

Tom loved spending his free time on “The River”.  One of his biggest accomplishments was restoring his cherished wooden boat, “The Star”.  He truly enjoyed the moments when he could sneak away and be on the River heading to camp.  He was an avid collector of wooden decoys and trains.  His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  In his retirement years, he cherished any and all moments that he could spend with them and his beloved wife, Barbara.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 16^th, from 2-4 and 7-9 at Costello Funeral Home.  A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 17^th, at 11:00 am at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Alexandria Bay with Father Douglas Comstock and Father John Bradley officiating. The family is requesting that masks be worn.  Burial will follow at St. Cyril’s Cemetery, Alexandria Bay.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to be made to the Alexandria Bay Rotary Club Scholarship Program, PO Box 186, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 .

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY

Kenneth George McDonald, 91, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2021 at his Reynolds Road home surrounded by loved ones. He had been in failing health and was under the care of Hospice and his loving family and caregivers.

Ken was born May 19, 1930 in Albany NY to Kenneth Thomas and Mildred (Peg) Deugaw McDonald. He spent his childhood in Parish and the Potsdam/Canton area. He graduated in 1949 from Norwood High School and went to work for the Parish Oil Company where he met the love of his life, Helen, the manager’s daughter. She was the daughter of Karl M. and Helen Finney Bunce. They were united in marriage on August 22, 1953 at Emmanuel Congregational Church in Watertown NY.

Ken enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and proudly served aboard the Sierra AD-18 during the Korean conflict. He was discharged as a Machinist Repairman 2nd class in 1954. Using the GI bill he obtained his B.S. in Industrial Arts and Mechanical Drawing from Oswego State University. Upon his graduation in 1957 he began his teaching career at Alexandria Central School retiring in 1985. He was also a permanent part-time Immigration Inspector (after school and summers) at the Thousand Islands Bridge and Heart Island from 1962 to 1990.

He was always willing to lend a hand in a variety of school and community projects. Ken was a member of F. A. & M Masonic Lodge 297, American Legion Post 904 and the Veterans Association USS Sierra AD-18. He was active in the Boys Scouts serving on the committee for 26 years and an active volunteer with Amy with Special Olympics .

Ken was an avid deer hunter and was happiest in the woods or when building something especially with his boys. He and Helen enjoyed camping with their family and traveling in their motorhome after retirement. Dad was always ready with a joke, story or practical joke and some of them were really good at least the first time.

He is survived by his daughter Beth (David Beyel) and her daughter Sarah Liuwen in North Syracuse, son Steven (Nancy) and sons Joshua (Jen) and Kyle (Brita) in Florida and son Michael (Leslie) and sons P.J. and Jon (Rachel) in Baldwinsville and Stan’s sons Benjamin (Mariah) and Gregory (Brianne) as well as six great-grandchildren. Ken is also survived by his sister Joyce Ulrich and sisters- in-law Carole Dingman and Vicki Deal and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helen, son Stanley and daughter Amy as well as his parents and sister Shirley Harris and four brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank his long term caregivers Pam, Maria, Hanna, Melinda and others who allowed both he and Helen to remain comfortably at home. We are also thankful for his many friends and former students who came to visit especially Bud Thomas.

Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Adams Center, NY at the family’s convenience. Donations can be made to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or a charity of your choice. At Ken’s request there will be a Celebration of Life at the Alexandria Bay Fire Hall on September 11, 2021 from1:00 to 4:00. Masks are appreciated. Please join us with a story or a joke.

SEAN R. DILLON

September 22, 2020

Cape Vincent, NY.  Sean R. Dillon, 32, of Route 12E, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday morning at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, where he had been a patient for many months.

Sean was born to Linda Dillon in Council Bluffs, IA on July 5, 1988. He was a graduate of Thousand Islands High School.  He married Courtney Gould on July 22, 2017 in Cape Vincent with Hon. John Blodgett officiating.

Sean was employed for the past three years as the assistant manager at Valvoline in Watertown.  He enjoyed golfing, coin collecting, and auto mechanics, but especially loved spending time with his family and friends.  Following his death, per his wishes, Sean was an organ and tissue donor.

Sean is survived by his wife, Courtney and their daughter, Haisley; his wife’s parents and grandmother, Marylynn and Brian Leech, Erin and Floyd “Butch” Gould, and Rosalyn Robbins, all of Cape Vincent, and his many friends that were more like family to him.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday, October 4^th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Recreation Park facility/picnic area on James Street in Cape Vincent.  Attendees are reminded to wear face masks and respect distancing rules.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Sean’s name may be made to the fund for his daughter, Haisley Dillon, c/o the Citizen’s Bank of Cape Vincent, 154 East Broadway St, Cape Vincent, NY 13618.

September 21, 2020

Theresa, NY – Judith S. Rothermel, 77, Clear Lake Camp Road, passed away Monday morning at her home.

She was born January 21, 1943, in Oneonta, NY, daughter of Clyde and Elma Southern Salisbury. She graduated from Oneonta High School. She married John S. Rothermel on May 2, 1972, in Cooperstown, NY.

Judie worked at Bresee’s Department Store as an IBM key puncher and for 5 years at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The couple lived in Concord, NH, Cape Elizabeth, ME, Springfield, MA, Keene, NH and Watertown, NY for many years, before retiring to their home on Clear Lake. Judie was a member of the Clear Lake Cottage Association.

Besides her husband John, she is survived by her brother, Bruce L. Salisbury, Milford, NY, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, September 26^th at 2pm on the shores of Clear Lake, at the home of friends, John and Mary Weagraff, 26861 Clear Lake Camp Road, Theresa, NY.

September 9, 2020

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – Deborah Leigh Emmons, 62, passed away Wednesday evening, September 9th, at Samaritan Keep Home.

She was born February 26, 1958 in Watertown, NY, daughter of Alfred and Audrey Lake Engelhardt. Ater the passing of her parent in an automobile accident, she was raised by foster parents Loyd and Clara Evans. She graduated with honors from Indian River High School. In 1985, she married Dr. Louis Emmons, and was married for over 30 years.

Debbie was an RN at multiple hospitals in New York before moving to California in 1989. In Los Angeles, she worked at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and received her BSN from Cal State. In 1996, she relocated to North Carolina, where she received a master’s degree in 1998 and began working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She was given the honor to speak at many psychiatric drug conferences. In 2008, she and her family relocated to Ohio and continued her profession. In 2010, she received a second master’s degree to be a family psychiatric nurse practitioner. In 2014, she moved to Arizona and in 2015, returned to New York to be with her sister.

Debbie was academically and professionally accomplished, and was highly respected among her peers. She was a devout Christian and was involved in the churches that she attended. Her and her husband adopted two daughters from China. She enjoyed taking her family to the lake, on neighborhood strolls, and to animal zoos. She was an avid bicyclist, listened to country gospel music, and loved animals.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Louis Emmons, her daughters, Abigail Emmons and Sarah Qiong-Yun Emmons, of Yuma, AZ, and her sister, Julie Kirker, Madison, NH.

Graveside services will be announced at a later date.

September 13, 2020

HAMMOND, NY – Infant Emberly Jean Mills was carried to heaven by angels on September 13, 2020, shortly after meeting her parents, Jordyn Tulley and Brent Mills, of Hammond.

Besides her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandparents, Cathleen and Ronald E. Tulley, II and paternal grandparents, Mandy Brown and Thomas and Gwen Mills, maternal great-grandparents, James and Nancy Gleason and Ronald and Virginia Tulley, her paternal great-grandparents, Sue and Steven Miller, an aunt, Mia Tulley and uncles, Brock and Cale Tulley, Bryan Mills, Dylan Gagnon and Zander Webb, several great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

Family members who were waiting for her in heaven are, Joseph Brown, Robert and Eleanor Gleason, Dean and Georgieanna Rosenbarker, Clyde and Isa Tulley and Hollis and Eleanor Drummond.

Our lives were touched by her short presence and her memory will always remain in our hearts.

Emberly’s family will celebrate and honor her privately as they lay her to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hammond, on September 16^th.

Alexandria Bay, NY – Rob Stromwall, 85, passed peacefully on September 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 7, 1934 in Brockton, Massachusetts, son of Alton and Fannie Flood Stromwall. He was raised by his mother and step father, Rev. Francis Berry, for whom he had much love and respect. He graduated from Madison High School, in Madison, Maine and served in the U.S. Navy from October 1952-September 1956. Following his service, he graduated from the University of Maine, with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

He married Sally Sawyer on December 19, 1954. The couple moved to the Rochester, NY area to raise their family while Rob worked for many years as an engineering manager for Eastman Kodak. Mrs. Stromwall passed away on April 3, 1983.

He married Margaret “Margie” Herbert Beadling on January 28, 1984, in Poland, ME with Rob’s stepfather Rev. Francis Berry, officiating.

Following retirement from Kodak in 1989, the couple purchased a lot off Dingman Point Road and built their home on the St. Lawrence River.

Rob was a man of uncompromising character and faith. He served our God, his family, community and country in any capacity where he found need.

Besides his loving wife Margaret, he is survived by his daughter, Karen (David) Arnold, Macedon, NY, three sons, Bruce (Lynn) Stromwall, Cumming, GA, Brian (Cindy) Stromwall, Greenville, SC and Brent (LeAnne) Stromwall, Sugar Hill, GA, three stepdaughters, Anne (Doug) Canham, Fairport, NY, Sharon(Mark) Renfer, and Sarah Beadling, both of Brockport, NY, two stepsons, Peter (Jennifer) Beadling, Spencerport, NY and Mike (April) Beadling, Brockport, NY.  He also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and beloved companion, Simon.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at 2pm at Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, with Pastor Jeff McIlrath officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

Local arrangements are with Costello Funeral Service, Alexandria Bay, NY.

September 5, 2019 

TULLY, NY – Michael S. Bridenbaker, Sr, 62, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday evening, while traveling in Seattle, Washington. 

He was born December 20, 1956 in Syracuse, NY, son of Charles and Mary Ann Kranock Bridenbaker. He was educated at Cicero/North Syracuse Schools and Onondaga Community College. 

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from January 1974-August,1976, achieving the rank of Fireman, and saw service in the Mediterranean during the Cyprus Conflict aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9), receiving an honorable discharge. 

He was a member of the North Syracuse Fire Department from 1978-1981 and NAVAC Ambulance from 1981-2003, serving as Deputy Director for three years. 

Mike became a nationally registered paramedic, working for Eastern Ambulance for ten years from 1976-1986.  When Onondaga County Sheriffs’ Department initiated the Air-One Emergency Helicopter program, Mike was recruited as one of the elite seven first flight paramedics, providing over 7,500 hours of direct service to Onondaga County. 

Mike worked as a police officer for the City of Syracuse from 1986-2006, earning the Medal of Valor in 1992.  In addition, he received bureau, department and division commendations.  He worked with the Emergency Services Unit, the SWAT Team, and the Airport Division. 

Following his retirement from the police department, Mike served as Airport Security Coordinator at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for three years. 

Mike was currently serving as a Fire Commissioner for the Tully Fire District, and was Chairman of the Board for two years.  He secured significant grant funding to benefit the community. 

He is survived by his lifetime companion of 35 years, Marley Barduhn of Tully, two daughters, Hope Messer of Solvay, and Brittany Woolshlager (Matthew) of Fairmount, one son, Michael Bridenbaker, Jr. (Jessica) of North Syracuse, his mother, Mary Ann Bridenbaker, brothers Edward and Patrick ( Robin ), and six grandchildren, including Crystal, Brandon, Evan, Michael, Elizabeth, and Molly of the Syracuse area, as well as other extended family.  Mike was predeceased by his father, Charles Bridenbaker and an infant son, Steven. 

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, rock music, and spending time with his family and friends, at home in Tully and in Alexandria Bay and Florida.  He especially enjoyed his volunteer EMS activities at Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 12^th, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, at the Kruger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd, Mattydale.  A calling hour will also be held Friday, September 13^th, from 1- 2pm at the Costello Funeral Home, 113 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY. The funeral service will begin at 2pm, with the Rev. Richard G. Reed officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, Alexandria Bay. 

Memorial donations may be made to Tully Fire District, 1 Railroad St, Tully, NY 13159, Attn: Cheryl Wayne, Secretary/Treasurer in lieu of flowers.